Whittle

The surname Whittle is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "hwit", meaning white. The name is believed to have originally described someone with fair hair or a fair complexion.

Origins:

The name Whittle is primarily found in the North West of England, especially in Lancashire, where the Whittle family has a long history. The village of Whittle-le-Woods near Chorley in Lancashire is said to be an ancient settlement associated with the Whittle family.

Historical Significance:

The Whittle surname has several notable bearers in British history. One of the most famous is Sir Frank Whittle, an aeronautical engineer who invented the turbojet engine, revolutionising aviation in the 20th century. Another notable figure is Frederick Whittle, a prominent Victorian sculptor known for his work on many public and private commissions.

Distribution:

Today, the surname Whittle is still most common in the North West of England, particularly in Lancashire and the surrounding areas. However, Whittles can be found throughout the United Kingdom and in other English-speaking countries, particularly in former British colonies.

Variations:

Variations of the surname Whittle include Whittel, Whittley, and Whittler. These variations may have emerged over time due to regional dialects or spelling variations.

In conclusion, the surname Whittle has a rich history rooted in English heritage, with notable bearers who have made significant contributions to British culture and society.

There are approximately 11,596 people named Whittle in the UK. That makes it the 794th most common surname in Britain. Around 178 in a million people in Britain are named Whittle.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Gillian
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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